Twists on classics

Monopoly Millionaire

Kids can live it up with the classic game of Monopoly, revamped with a luxury twist. The first person to make a million dollars wins. Along the way, make business deals and buy yachts and mansions using stacks of cash rather than single bills.

Motia R. of Lansdowne, PA, says her daughter, 13, and son, 11, loved the stacks of money. “The game encourages the development of a sense of business savvy, and is a good educational tool for teaching kids how to make business decisions,” she says. “It’s an easy and fun game and kept my kids interested and engaged, and in this age of the Internet and video games, that is difficult to do.” According to the kids, the instructions are a bit lengthy, but once pushed through, it’s easy to get the hang of the game.

Space Checkers

Joanna M. of Narberth, PA said her daughter, 6, loves checkers and was easily able to follow instructions to play this cosmic twist on the classic. "The game works to develop a child's logic skills," says Joanna. "[My daughter] is able to learn different strategies on how to win."

Joanna does mention, however, that her daughter has trouble paying attention to the game at times, and recommends the toy for children a bit older.